56. Mr. B. SMITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the growing practice of tug owners on the River Thames to reduce the number of persons employed in the engine room; that in many cases only one man is so employed; and whether, in view of the congested traffic upon the river and the inadequacy of tug crews having regard to safety, he will cause regulations to be made providing for minimum crews?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Board of Trade have no power to make regulations providing for minimum crews for tugs on the River Thames.
Mr. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman consider legislation to provide for the safety of these crews?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe matter is, in the first instance, the concern of the London Port Authorities.